Freshwater Tropical Fish - Breeding
This page outlines some of the common breeding characteristics
of the major fish families. For specific information, use the Fish
Facts tab above.
Cichlids often breed on large flat surfaces, such as rocks
or the inside of flower pots. The tank should have no plants and the tank
should have gravel on the bottom. Mouthbrooders will dig out the gravel and the female
will deposit eggs in the depression. The eggs are fertilized and then taken in the mouth until they hatch.
Angelfish will deposit eggs against plants, such as amazon swords.
Characin and Barbs
breed in thickly planted tanks with no gravel, rocks or flower pots.
The best plants are cabomba, hornwort, java moss. Plastic plants work well
too. The plants generally fall to the bottom of the tank. Use a flashlight to search for eggs
by the reflection. Parents should be removed after breeding. For
American Characin the water should be soft, acidic and free of bacteria.
The lighting should be very dim for breeding and for hatching the eggs. Separate the pair
before breeding and feed them well. Spawning will occur in the
morning. Return the pair to the main tank if no breeding occurs within 3 days.
The fry can be raising in a breeding net if space is in short supply.
Anabantids require very clean water. The male
builds a bubblenest by blowing bubbles that remain at the surface. The
pair breeds by wrapping and intertwining. The eggs of Gouramis tend to
float, while betta eggs will sink. The male should remain in the breeding
tank after breeding, as they will ensure that eggs are placed within the bubbles
and they will remove infertile eggs.
Livebearers
breed continuously, often monthly. Females will show a bulging stomach and
a dark gravid spot near the anal fin. Females will not eat their newborn, but others will. Floating plants,
such as Crystalwort, will give the young places to hide. Breeding traps
work very well in ensuring that the young survive.
For information about feeding fry, click the next button
